Merchandising system

ABSTRACT

A merchandising system is disclosed. The merchandising system provides for the presentation and storage of articles comprising a frame comprising a plurality of generally horizontal members configured for attachment of a holder and at least one frame member provided to rigidify the plurality of horizontal members so that the frame is resistant to deformation when the holder is attached to one or more of the plurality of horizontal members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority as may beavailable under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119-121 from the following application:U.S. Patent Application No. 60/409,612 (“MERCHANDISING SYSTEM”) filedSep. 10, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference).

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field ofmerchandising systems. In particular, the present invention relates tomerchandising systems providing for support of articles and/or one ormore tray systems.

[0003] It is known to provide for a merchandising system that may beused for displaying articles in consumer settings such as grocerystores, retail outlets, shops, etc. Such known merchandising systems maybe used to present, display and store articles in fixed or limitedspaces such as on shelves, in display cases, cabinets, etc.

[0004] It is beneficial when merchandising articles to allow potentialcustomers to view or handle them in a convenient and comfortable manner.It is also beneficial to be able to provide for relatively neat andorderly presentation of articles. However, within fixed or limitedspaces, known merchandising systems may not be configured to allow forrelatively neat and orderly presentation of articles. Such knownmerchandising systems do not always provide articles and/or one or moretray systems in straight, linear, and/or level arrangements. Forexample, some known merchandising systems do not provide strong and/orrigid support for articles and/or one or more tray systems. Thissupportive configuration can be an important feature for customers andstore personnel because it enables articles to be merchandised with lesssagging, deformation, and/or movement of the merchandising system.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a merchandisingsystem that may provide for relatively neat and orderly presentation ofarticles. It would also be advantageous to provide a merchandisingsystem that may provide a strong and/or rigid support for article and/orone or more tray systems. It would also be advantageous to provide amerchandising system that may provide articles and/or one or more traysystems in straight, linear, or level arrangements. It would also beadvantageous to provide a merchandising system that may be configured toresist sagging, deformation, bowing, and/or movement due to articleweight. It would also be advantageous to provide a merchandising systemthat may provide a rigid support for article having relatively highweight and/or density.

[0006] It would be advantageous to provide a merchandising system or thelike of a type disclosed in the present application that provides anyone or more of these or other advantageous features.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention relates to a merchandising system forpresenting and storing products. The merchandising system comprises agrid comprising a plurality of vertical members and a plurality ofhorizontal members arranged in a generally planar configuration andoriented so that one or more tray systems may be attached to the grid atselect locations. In addition, the merchandising system comprisesmembers coupled to the grid and providing support to the grid tomaintain the generally planar configuration of the grid when the one ormore tray systems are attached to the grid.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system forsupporting tray systems comprising a support assembly having verticalmembers and horizontal members and configured so that the tray systemsmay be attached at select locations. In addition, the merchandisingsystem includes at least one member fixedly attached to the supportassembly and configured to resist deformation of the support assembly.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system forstoring and presenting products on a shelf or display case comprising ameans for supporting a plurality of tray systems at select locations,and a means for providing strength and rigidity to the merchandisingsystem and configured to resist deformation of the means for supportingthe plurality of tray systems.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system forsupporting products comprising a plurality of vertically orientedmembers, a plurality of horizontally oriented members coupled to thevertically oriented members in a grid formation, and frame memberscoupled to the vertically oriented members such that the grid formationresists deformation.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system forpresenting and storing articles comprising a frame comprising aplurality of generally horizontal members configured for attachment of aholder, and at least one frame member provided to rigidify the pluralityof horizontal members so that the frame is resistant to deformation whenthe holder is attached to one or more of the plurality of horizontalmembers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a merchandising systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013]FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the merchandisingsystem.

[0014]FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the merchandisingsystem.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the merchandising system.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a front and side view of merchandising system accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a top view of a merchandising system according to anexemplary embodiment.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a fastener for use with amerchandising system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a merchandising systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, various exemplary and alternativeembodiments of a merchandising system intended for displaying articlessuch as products, containers, items, units, etc. in consumer settingssuch as grocery stores, retail outlets, shops, etc. are shown. Accordingto a preferred embodiment, the merchandising system is intended todispense, store, merchandise, display, etc. articles to provide for thespace-efficient presentation of groups of articles within a given orfixed display area, and/or to allow for convenient and orderlypresentation, dispensing, and storage of articles (such as products orproduct containers) having any of a wide variety of sizes, shapes, andprofiles (e.g., rectangular, non-rectangular, etc.).

[0021]FIGS. 1 through 8 show a merchandising system 10 according to anexemplary embodiment. System 10 includes a base 22 (e.g., grid, support,frame, framework, backing, etc.) having a frame 30 and a grid 40. Thegrid 40 includes vertical members 42, horizontal members 44, and framemembers 46.

[0022] According to various exemplary embodiments, one or more traysystem 52 (e.g., tray, holder, carrier, container, shelf, platform,etc.) may be provided. The tray system may be provided on an existingmerchandising system such as a shelf, grid system, display case, etc.The tray system may be configured to hold, display, retain, store, orotherwise receive articles such as product (e.g., goods, displayedobjects, etc.). The tray system may provide for the space division andorderly and convenient presentation of such articles.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, base 22 comprises a frame 30 (e.g.,vertical component/element, frame, stand, member, etc.) and grid 40(e.g., grid module, wire module, wire frame, support, support element,etc.). Base 22 may be configured to connect or couple adjacent systemsinto a larger overall merchandising system. According to a preferredembodiment, the base has a “modular” construction and facilitates usewith other bases, shelves, or a variety of other existing merchandisingsystems, including shelving units, support surfaces, grids, brackets,hangers, etc.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, the frame 30 may compriseone or more members 32 (e.g., vertical component, vertical element,etc.). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the frame 30 comprises two verticalmembers 32. A number of apertures 34 (e.g., slots, mounting points,etc.) may be provided along members 32 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8.Apertures 34 provide a mounting area for attaching grid 40 to members32.

[0025] Frame 30 may be attached to a wall, floor, base, support, stand,etc. to provide stability or overall support to the merchandisingsystem. For example, the frame may be attached to a cooler in a retailor display setting. According to other exemplary embodiments, the framemay be attached to any shelving or display system. According to variousalternative embodiments, the frame may be omitted and the one or moregrid may be coupled directly to other support structures (e.g., screwed,bolted, etc. directly to a wall, case, frame, etc.).

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more grid 40 (e.g.,grid module, wire module, wire frame, support, support assembly, etc.)may be coupled to frame 30. According to a preferred embodiment, thegrid has a “modular” construction and facilitates use with manystructures, shelves, bases, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment,brackets 50 are provided to couple the grid 40 to the frame 30. As anexample, the brackets may be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,769,248, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, merchandising system 10 mayinclude right and left brackets for use on either the correspondingright or left side of the system 10. Right and left brackets may bemirror images of one another. FIG. 7 shows a right bracket 50 accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Bracket 50 includes a generally z-shapedmember 68 having a first leg 70, a second leg 72, and a center portion74. The first leg 70 is generally rectangular and includes a hookportion 76 extending outwardly from the first leg 70 in a direction awayfrom the second leg 72 and away from the center portion 74. The hookportion 76 is configured to engage with the apertures 34 of the members32. The center portion 74 is generally rectangular and is at about a 90degree angle with respect to the first leg 70. The center portion 74 hasapertures 78 with diameters of about ⅛ to ½ inches, preferably about ¼inches. The second leg 72 is also generally rectangular and oriented atabout a 90 degree angle with respect to the center portion 74 extendingoutwardly from the center portion 74 in a generally parallel orientationto the first leg 70. The second leg 72 has three holes 82 spaced so asto correspond to the spacing of horizontal members 44 of the grid 40.The bracket 50 is preferably integrally formed as one piece and is madefrom steel.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, a pair of screws 84 andplate 86 may be used to secure grid 40 to brackets 70. Plate 86 isgenerally rectangular and has apertures 88 configured to hold screws 84.Plate 86 is preferably made from steel.

[0029] To secure grid 40 to members 32, bracket 50 is assembled bythreading each screw 84 through an aperture 88 in plate 86 then throughcenter portion 74 through an aperture 78 such that plate 86 is betweenthe head of screw 84 and center portion 74. The horizontal members 44are inserted in holes 82 in the second leg 72. The horizontal members 44should be positioned between the plate 86 and the center portion 74.Screws 84 may be tightened such that the plate 86, screws 84 and bracket50 cooperate to secure the horizontal members 44 in place. Thisprocedure may be repeated on the left side. The grid 40 with brackets 50attached can then be secured to the members 32 (or other supportassembly) by placing the hook portions 76 of brackets 50 in a respectiveaperture 34 in members 32.

[0030] Grid 40 may comprise one or more vertical members 42, one or morehorizontal members 44, and one or more frame members 46. As shown inFIGS. 1 through 6, and 8, one or more vertical member 42 (e.g., wire,rod, tube, extended member, etc.) may be provided for the grid 40. Thevertical members 42 add strength and/or rigidity to the grid 40.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, eight vertical members42 are provided. According to other alternative embodiments, any numberof vertical wires may be provided for the grid. The vertical members 42prevent the horizontal members 44 from bending, deforming, “drooping”,or otherwise being moved from position.

[0031] The vertical members 42 are spaced apart from each other along awidth of the grid 40. According to an exemplary embodiment, the verticalmembers 42 are spaced apart about 2.5 inches to 8.5 inches, preferablyabout 4.875 inches to 6.925 inches. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the diameter of the vertical members 42 is about 0.1 to 0.5inches, preferably about 0.375 inches. According to other alternativeembodiments, the vertical members may be placed and/or arranged alongsome or all of the width of the grid according to any suitableconfiguration.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more horizontalmembers 44 (e.g., wire, rod, tube, extended member, etc.) may beprovided with the grid 40. The horizontal members 44 may be configuredto work with one or more tray systems and provide flexibility in thepositioning and placement of the various trays. According to anexemplary embodiment, eighteen horizontal members 44 are provided, eachspaced approximately one inch apart. According to another embodimentshown in FIGS. 1 through 6, and 8, nine horizontal members 44 are beprovided. According to other alternative embodiments, any number ofmembers may be provided along the grid. The horizontal members may bespaced apart from each other along any portion or the entire width ofthe grid. According to an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of thehorizontal member may be about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches, preferably about0.306 to 0.312 inches.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more frame members46 (e.g., member, tube, L-channel, C-channel, U-channel, square tubebacker, reinforcement, etc.) may be provided with the grid 40. Accordingto a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, and 8, the grid 40may have two frame members 46 (shown as square tubes) provided on theback side of the grid 40. According to alternative embodiments, theframe members 46 may have a variety of shapes, including L-channels,C-channels, U-channels, round shapes, etc. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the frame member may be a square tube made from about 9 to13 gauge steel having sides measuring about 0.5 to 2.0 inches in length.According to a preferred embodiment, the frame member is about a oneinch square tube made from about 11 gauge steel.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 through 6, and 8, the frame member 46 maybe coupled, fastened or attached to the vertical members 42. Accordingto a preferred embodiment, the frame member 46 is welded to the verticalmembers 42. According to alternative embodiments, any fastening methodor technique may be used, including adhesives, mechanical fasteners,etc.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, and 8, the frame member 46 mayextend along the length of the grid 40. According to a preferredembodiment, a frame member 46 may be provided along the upper and lowerportions of the grid 40. According to alternative embodiments, one ormore frame members may be provided on the grid in any variety oflocations, including the center, upper and/or lower portion of the grid.According to other embodiments, the frame member may extend in anydirection on the grid (e.g., up, down, diagonal, etc.) and may extendacross only a portion of the grid (e.g., across half of the grid).According to other embodiments, the frame member may comprise separateparts or elements connected to each other or may be formed integrally asone part.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more tray system(e.g., tray, storage, holder, container, divider system, etc.) may beprovided in the merchandising system. One or more tray systems may beprovided in the merchandising system to display and/or store articles.According to one exemplary embodiment, the tray system may be of a typedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,248. According to various alternativeembodiments, any number of suitable trays, dividers, storage bins,holders, etc. may be provided in the merchandising system.

[0037] According to various exemplary embodiments, the assemblies andcomponents of the merchandising system may be constructed from a varietyof suitable materials, including metals, alloys, composites, etc.According to an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal members of the gridare assembled and constructed from steel wire having a diameter of about0.25 to about 0.35 inches, preferably about 0.306 to 0.312 inches.According to an exemplary embodiment, the frame member may be a squaretube made from about 9 to 13 gauge steel having sides measuring about0.5 to 2.0 inches in length. According to a preferred embodiment, theframe member is about a one inch square tube made from about 11 gaugesteel.

[0038] Conventional arrangements of merchandising systems may allow“sagging” or “drooping” of the tray systems provided on themerchandising system. For example, tray systems may be provided on agrid. The tray systems may be used to display and/or store articles. Thearticles may have a high weight and/or density. Conventionalmerchandising systems may not be fully suited to display and/or storeheavy weight or high density articles. The weight of the articles maycause deformation and/or movement of the grid. For example, the grid maydeform, and/or move in a number of directions, including along axis X-Xshown in FIGS. 3 and 8, along axis Y-Y shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, alongaxis Z-Z shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, and twisting or torsional deformationand/or movement along other axes and directions.

[0039] The exemplary embodiments of disclosed merchandising system haveincreased strength and/or rigidity. The merchandising system shown inthe FIGURES allows for the presentation of articles along straightand/or linear lines. For example, horizontal rows of trays may bepresented to a customer in a relatively neat or orderly straight line(e.g., parallel to axis X-X in FIG. 8, generally planar, etc.). The gridalso resists deformation or movement in a direction shown along axis Z-Zin FIG. 8 and axis Y-Y in FIG. 8. The resulting displayed articles maybe displayed along linear, orderly lines for viewing by a customer.

[0040] The frame members provided on the grid assist in strengtheningand/or rigidifying the merchandising system to resist sagging ordeformation. The vertical wires, having larger diameters, also help toresist sagging or deformation. Accordingly, the merchandising systemshown in the FIGURES reduces movement and/or deformation due to theweight of articles. This results in the display, storage and/orpresentation of articles in the trays being relatively more neat,orderly, linear, straight, etc.

[0041] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the merchandising system as shown in the preferred andother exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a fewembodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail inthis disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.It is important to note that any dimensions shown are dimensions ofparticularly preferred embodiments, and are not intended to be limitedto those dimensions. Elements shown as integrally formed may beconstructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may beintegrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed orotherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or membersor connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the natureor number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may bevaried (e.g., by variations in the number of engagement slots or size ofthe engagement slots or type of engagement). It should be noted that theelements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any ofa wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength ordurability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures andcombinations. It should also be noted that the system may be used inassociation with a rotating display, or alternatively other, fixed andnon-movable displays or any of a wide variety of other surfaces in anyof a wide variety of other applications. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent inventions. The order or sequence of any process or method stepsmay be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Inthe claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover thestructures described herein as performing the recited function and notonly structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in thedesign, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the presentinventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A merchandising system for presenting and storingarticles comprising: a grid comprising a plurality of vertical membersand a plurality of horizontal members arranged in a generally planarconfiguration and oriented so that one or more tray systems may beattached to the grid at select locations; and members coupled to thegrid and providing support to the grid to maintain the generally planarconfiguration of the grid when the one or more tray systems are attachedto the grid.
 2. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the memberscomprise at least one of the following structures: (a) a square tube,(b) an L-channel, (c) a C-channel, and (d) a U-channel.
 3. Themerchandising system of claim 2 wherein the members comprise about a oneinch square tube of about 11 gauge steel.
 4. The merchandising system ofclaim 3 wherein the members are coupled to the vertical members so thatthe grid resists deformation in one or more directions.
 5. Themerchandising system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of verticalmembers and the plurality of horizontal members are generallyperpendicular to one another when the one or more tray systems areattached to the grids.
 6. The merchandising system of claim 1 whereinthe members provide support to the grid so that articles may bepresented and stored along generally linear lines.
 7. The merchandisingsystem of claim 1 wherein the grid is configured to support tray systemsof different sizes interchangeably.
 8. The merchandising system of claim1 further comprising a base for supporting the grid.
 9. Themerchandising system of claim 8 wherein the base comprises one or morevertical members.
 10. The merchandising system of claim 9 furthercomprising brackets for coupling the grid to the one or more verticalmembers.
 11. The merchandising system of claim 10 wherein the verticalmembers comprise apertures for engaging with the brackets.
 12. Themerchandising system of claim 1 further comprising a tray system forpresenting and storing articles, wherein the tray system is coupled tothe grid.
 13. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the verticalmembers have a diameter of about 0.30 to 0.425 inches.
 14. Themerchandising system of claim 13 wherein the vertical members have adiameter of about 0.375 inches.
 15. The merchandising system of claim 1wherein the horizontal members have a diameter of about 0.285 to 0.35inches.
 16. The merchandising system of claim 15 wherein the horizontalmembers have a diameter of about 0.306 to about 0.312 inches.
 17. Themerchandising system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of grids.18. A merchandising system for supporting tray systems comprising: asupport assembly having vertical members and horizontal members andconfigured so that the tray systems may be attached at select locations;and at least one member fixedly attached to the support assembly andconfigured to resist deformation of the support assembly.
 19. Themerchandising system of claim 18 wherein the at least one member isattached to the vertical members.
 20. The merchandising system of claim19 wherein the support assembly is configured to support the traysystems in a generally linear orientation.
 21. The merchandising systemof claim 20 wherein the support assembly is configured to support traysystems of different sizes interchangeably.
 22. The merchandising systemof claim 21 wherein the at least one member comprises one of thefollowing structures: (a) a square tube, (b) an L-channel, (c) aC-channel, and (d) a U-channel.
 23. The merchandising system of claim 22further comprising a base for supporting the support assembly, the basecomprising one or more vertical elements.
 24. The merchandising systemof claim 23 further comprising a plurality of tray systems coupled tothe support assembly.
 25. A merchandising system for storing andpresenting products on a shelf or display case comprising: means forsupporting a plurality of tray systems at select locations; and meansfor providing strength and rigidity to the merchandising system andconfigured to resist deformation of the means for supporting theplurality of tray systems.
 26. A merchandising system for supportingproducts comprising: a plurality of vertically oriented members; aplurality of horizontally oriented members coupled to the verticallyoriented members in a grid formation; and frame members coupled to thevertically oriented members such that the grid formation resistsdeformation.
 27. The merchandising system of claim 26 wherein the framemembers comprise at least one of the following structures: (a) a squaretube, (b) an L-channel, (c) a C-channel, and (d) a U-channel.
 28. Amerchandising system for presenting and storing articles comprising: aframe comprising a plurality of generally horizontal members configuredfor attachment of a holder; and at least one frame member provided torigidify the plurality of horizontal members so that the frame isresistant to deformation when the holder is attached to one or more ofthe plurality of horizontal members.
 29. The merchandising system ofclaim 28 wherein the holder is removable.
 30. The merchandising systemof claim 29 wherein the holder is a tray system.
 31. The merchandisingsystem of claim 28 wherein the frame is configured for attachment of aholder by way of hooks.
 32. The merchandising system of claim 28 whereinthe frame further comprises a plurality of generally vertical membersarranged in a grid with the plurality of horizontal members.
 33. Themerchandising system of claim 28 wherein the plurality of horizontalmembers are arranged in a grid.
 34. The merchandising system of claim 33wherein the plurality of horizontal members are arranged in a generallyplanar configuration.